I had heard many splendid reviews about this book. All saying the same thing: it is amazing, wonderful, nerve racking. I wouldn’t want to put the book down they said. But I disagree.

I did not find it amazing and wonderful – I found it concerning.

The beginning pulled me in. I love to see strong willed female characters and I knew that Feyre (pronounced FEY-RUH) would be the strongest I’ve read about. She hunted for her family and did whatever she could to provide for them, even when her father wallowed in self-pity and refused to help. She was a tough cookie that wouldn't crumble.

Except in her soul sucking relationship with a boy named Tamlin.

At first, I adored their relationship. At first glance his sweetness and concern for her was endearing. The more I read about their relationship though, the more concerned I became. And when Feyre finally fell in love with him, my dislike for him grew immensely.

The strong willed girl was not going to be sent away. She was willing to fight. She agreed to fight against Amarantha. No one wanted to go against her, except Feyre. And she won. She beat Amarantha at her own game. Survived all the challenges. With no help from Tamlin. The only helped she received was from Rhysand. Occasionally from Lucien. The man that she was willing to risk her life for and fight for their love was not fighting back.

He never resisted against Amarantha. He sat calmly next to her while Feyre almost died several times. He never even shouted or called out in worry. If I watched the love of my life go through deadly challenges, almost die, for me, I would be screaming and hollering. I wouldn’t be able to sit there and watch as it all went down.

He never went to her aid to heal her. Never risked his neck to help her or care for her as she rotted away in that jail cell.

To say the least, I really dislike Tamlin. He’s controlling, manipulative, self-centered, and has anger issues.

But besides Tamlin, the book bore me up until Feyre went after her love. After beginning A Court of Mists and Fury though, I realize it is essentially an introduction to the world, with a small plot point to forward us into Feyre’s next adventure. It is absolutely worth the read though, solely because of the sequel.

Sarah J Maas’ writing style is uniquely hers though, and while I was bored to tears the entire time Feyre was with Tamlin, her writing made me want to finish the book.

The book includes an abusive relationship, a raging dictator, and unconventional families. Nesta, Feyre’s sister, is not concerned with her sister’s well-being. She is cold and aloof. Or so it seems. She is a good reminder that sisters may be sisters through blood and only that sometimes. Yet, we see deep down, Nesta is a big softy, in her own cold and aloof way.

All in all, the book was really good when I first read it. But after reading its sequel, the first book was like eating human food after having lived off Fae food.